Examples of medication classes that can affect cognition include:
- Anticholinergic medications
- Used for allergies, overactive bladder, motion sickness, and some sleep aids.
- Examples include Diphenhydramine and some bladder-control medications.
- Benzodiazepines
- Used for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
- Examples include Diazepam, Lorazepam, and Alprazolam.
- Certain sleep medications
- Some prescription sleep aids can cause confusion, memory issues, or falls, particularly in older adults.
- Opioid pain medications
- Can impair attention, memory, and alertness.
- Some antidepressants with anticholinergic effects
- Certain older antidepressants may have stronger cognitive side effects than newer alternatives.
- Some antipsychotic medications
- May contribute to confusion or cognitive slowing in susceptible individuals.
- Certain anti-seizure medications
- Some can affect concentration and memory.
- Muscle relaxants
- May cause drowsiness, confusion, and impaired thinking, especially in seniors.
What Seniors Should Know
Older adults are often more sensitive to medication side effects because of changes in metabolism, kidney function, and brain chemistry. Taking multiple medications (polypharmacy) can further increase the risk of confusion and memory problems.
Important Warning
Do not stop any prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare provider. Abruptly discontinuing certain drugs—especially benzodiazepines, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, or opioids—can be dangerous.
If you or a loved one develops new memory problems, confusion, excessive sleepiness, or changes in thinking, a medication review with a physician or pharmacist can be an important first step. Sometimes cognitive symptoms improve when medication-related causes are identified and addressed.
A proper evaluation is important because symptoms that resemble dementia can also result from medication side effects, infections, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, depression, or other treatable conditions.
